JoyRides: Bringing the Outdoors to You

At Renaissance, we believe that wellbeing is about more than activities inside the home; it’s also about connection to the world outside our walls. That’s why we were so delighted to welcome JoyRides, a local Edinburgh business run by Lissa, whose mission is simple: get people out in the fresh air, experiencing the joy of being part of the community.

Using her specially adapted cargo bike, affectionately named Betsy, Lissa collects residents from their care homes and takes them out for rides in local parks and along scenic routes. It’s not just a trip – it’s an experience that combines fresh air, conversation, and connection with the world around them.

"I want to keep offering a high-quality, unique service to older people in Edinburgh. I hope to connect with even more care homes and continue sharing the joy that comes from being outside."

Lissa, Joyrides

The Story Behind JoyRides

Lissa’s inspiration for JoyRides came from a career spent working with people.

“I had been a Senior Youth Worker for around 25 years and decided it was time for a change. I started volunteering with a brilliant charity called Cycling Without Age in a care home in Gilmerton. They had a bike like mine, and I started to take the residents out once a week. I realised immediately that I loved it – not only did the residents have a great time, but so did I. I thought, ‘Imagine if I could do this every day.’ That’s when the idea for JoyRides was born.”
In June 2019, Lissa launched JoyRides, offering rides to care homes across Edinburgh. Since then, she’s worked with around 22 homes, building connections and creating moments of joy for countless residents.

More Than a Bike Ride

A JoyRide is about so much more than just being on a bike. For many residents, it’s the rare chance to be outside in the open air for an extended time – feeling the wind, smelling the trees, hearing the sounds of the park.

“Quite often when residents go outside, it’s in a minibus or taxi, straight into another building. They’re not outside in the fresh air for long. On a JoyRide, you’re outside the whole time – whatever the weather. Scotland’s weather is unpredictable, but that’s part of the fun!”
And the benefits go beyond the sensory experience. JoyRides bring social connection with the driver, with other residents, and with the public.
“People in care homes can sometimes feel invisible in society,” Lissa says. “On Betsy, they’re seen and heard. We meet people in the park who stop to chat. Residents smile, wave, and sometimes visit places from their past, sparking memories and conversations.”

The Impact for Glencairn Home Residents

When JoyRides visited Glencairn Home, the results were immediate. Residents returned from their trips with smiles, stories, and that unmistakable glow from a bit of fresh air and adventure.

The rides aren’t just a physical activity, but they also support mental wellbeing by encouraging conversation, evoking happy memories, and helping residents feel part of the wider community.

Lissa frequently delivers information about the surrounding areas as she takes the residents through them, along with pointing out things like flowers, animals and objects as she sees them. It’s all part of the experience, ensuring that the rides also stimulate and support factors such as brain-health in dementia care and other similar conditions.

Looking Ahead

Lissa has big plans for JoyRides’ future:

“I want to keep offering a high-quality, unique service to older people in Edinburgh. I hope to connect with even more care homes and continue sharing the joy that comes from being outside.”

At Renaissance, we’re grateful for partnerships like this. JoyRides is a reminder that wellbeing can take many forms, and sometimes all it takes is a trike, a park, and a little fresh air to make someone’s day.

 

We believe in supporting your holistic wellbeing. That's why we're proud to offer a diverse range of activities and wellness programmes designed to suit every lifestyle.

For more information on what to expect at Glencairn, please visit their dedicated landing page here: https://www.renaissance-care.co.uk/our-care-homes/edinburgh/glencairn-care-home/